Josh Anvil and the Pivotal Weapon

Josh Anvil #2

by Bruce E. Arrington, Virtual Voice (Narrator)

Josh and Troy find themselves in a strange new world called Leiasam. They’ve come to explore a new planet, excited for what wonders await them. But it doesn’t take long before they are on the run from the aliens who conquered this world. In their attempts to help Anton find his family, Josh and Troy find themselves immersed in a terrible war that has spanned millennia. Yet Josh and Troy find that their abilities changed with this new planet. If they can figure them out in time, they just might make it out alive. Weaved in YA fantasy and science fiction with elements of action and comedy, Josh Anvil and The Pivotal Weapon follows the other-world adventures of two Louisiana high school freshman with extraordinary powers.

Genres: Young Adult

Audible Audio

First published May 16, 2013

About the author

Bruce Arrington authored 16 books (36+ if you count the foreign languages), including children’s illustrated Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Birthday Wish books. He wrote the Josh Anvil series, about a teenage boy who gets overcharged by unique abilities. And then there’s the Phalanx Blood Series about a guy named Bernard (not his real name) whose blood is the envy of the pharmaceutical world. The Legend of Skaluni and The Legend of Kalaj take you to another world with tribes, superstitions, and monsters. His first book of the Fallen Powers series is about a prince lost in a world of goblins and shapeshifters. He also wrote a futuristic screenplay about an Amish youth who has visions of himself saving the President of the United States from assassination while trying to dodge the draft. Bruce likes to take average, everyday characters, and upend their lives through unusual and powerful circumstances. He remembers having a vivid imagination and using a typewriter to start putting short stories together when he was young.

Bruce graduated from Oregon State University in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science. From there, he worked in wildlife biology in North Dakota, Oregon, and Florida for about 15 years. After that, he taught in a small charter school for 16 years, and during that time his first published writings were published. He went on to earn his master’s degree in physical education and currently teaches PE to elementary school students. His latest thrill includes ziplining in the tropics of Costa Rica and Mexico.

Reviews

[Joe Prentis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A refreshing science fiction adventure for young readers.

Josh Anvil and the Pivotal Weapon by Bruce Arrington is a science fiction adventure story written for middle school boys. The story begins when 14-year-old Josh Anvil and his friend, Troy, pass through a portal into an alien world. While this is an adventure/mystery, it is also a book about friendship and trust. I like the way the author weaves these elements throughout the story. Along the way, Josh and Troy acquire superpowers that change as the go from one alien world to another. There is enough mystery here to move the story along nicely.

Josh and Troy have to battle evil aliens, while they are befriended by others. Each world they visit has a different set of problems and they must adjust to the ever-changing situations. The thing I especially like about this story is the way in which I find it similar to the stories I read and enjoyed while I was growing up. Too many science fiction stories written today seem to have aliens that we never completely understand, and the action involves taking ‘possession’ of the earthlings minds, with too many occasions where they are ‘beamed up’ in some fashion or the other. This is a story that will seem logical to the young reader, although the action is not your everyday occurrences. The thing I enjoyed the most about this story is the alien worlds. You can see, feel, and experience each of them. You can also feel the tension as each problem builds to its resolution, and then, just as quickly, presents another challenge. The author is skillful in creating group after group of alien creatures that vary from one planet to another.

When it comes to the superpowers the boys possess, the author prevents them from becoming complacent in that they can not at first figure out the powers they possess or how to use each new one. It reminds me somewhat of the Superman stories I devoured when I was in middle school. Things were never easy for Superman and the same is true for Josh and Troy.

The book is at times funny, and at others sad. In all, this is a well-rounded book that will carry the reader along from the first page to the last. I hope there is a third book, and I will perhaps go back and read the first in this series. I am giving this book a solid four stars out of five, and my congratulations to the author for a job well done.

I received a free copy this book from the author in exchange for a non-reciprocal review.

[Elisa Blaisdell · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we last saw Josh Anvil, he and his best friend Troy had just dived into a portal leading to an alien world. In that first book, Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door, he had acquired superpowers. Now, in this other world, his powers are gone. Or, are they different? And so begins the thrill ride. Things happen fast, here, and the challenges are always different.

I strongly recommend that the reader start with the first Josh Anvil book. It puts things into perspective, in an Earthly setting, where you get to know the characters as they relate to their parents, and siblings, and even high school teachers! Here, we're far away from Earth, and on every world that Josh and Troy enter, their powers change. There's lots of excitement, and some mysteries raised in the first book are answered, even as other mysteries take their place. And, there were delightful surprises, as things casually mentioned in the first book, but that I didn't even realize were mysteries, are answered.

Just as in the first book, there are plenty of funny moments. I enjoyed the two boys analyzing spacecraft in terms of Star Trek designs--leading the alien to wonder where they got all this knowledge of spacecraft.

This book seemed more fragmented than the first one, as Josh and Troy dash from world to world, one step ahead of, or behind, menacing aliens. On the other hand, the wish-fulfillment element I saw in the first book is gone from this one. Josh's superpowers don't make everything easy for him; they barely enable him to survive, if he can figure out how they can be used. And, in accordance with the rules of nature laid out in the book, they tend to disappear, even when he needs them most.

This book turns just slightly darker than the first one, at times. The fate of whole worlds is at store, both Earth and others. I was impressed with the 'Ada' strand of the plot, but, reading it as a youngster, I'd have been shocked and saddened.

Overall, this was entertaining light science-fiction adventure, designed for middle-grade/young adult reading. The plot line resolves nicely, but there clearly needs to be a third book. I'm looking forward to it.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lita Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josh Anvil and the Pivotal Weapon by Bruce Arrington is a YA fantasy about the fourteen-year-old Josh and his heroic adventures outwitting the evil alien Raga and saving Earth from invasion.

Josh’s human friend Troy accompanies him, along with Anton, a humanoid alien slave from another world. They meet up with more of Anton’s people, plus a helpful renegade alien, along the way.

This is the second adventure about Josh and his friends, and this time our hero has mind melded with an intelligent power that guides him into rescuing Anton’s son and a remarkable young woman who can split planets. Our hero pilots an organic spaceship made from a tree. It replicates Josh’s favorite meals (fast food tacos and barbeque pizzas) and conjures cool teen clothes (jeans and t-shirts with snappy sayings).

Mixed in with the fun romp, the story examines more serious themes about Josh’s loyalty, not only to his close friends, but also to the welfare of Earth. Our hero struggles with the consequences of rash and revengeful actions. The end of the story is a satisfying conclusion to the current set of adventures, and sets the stage for more fun to come in the sequel. For fans of YA fantasy adventures about a teenage boy, this story is a recommended read.

I purchased a copy of this book.

[Vardan Partamyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has a good heart. It seeps through every character we encounter and all the unlikely adventures we take in this enjoyable science fiction escapade. While some plot points and characters could be better developed, I think that the overall relationships and situations were strong, the action well described, space travel aplenty - all the while leaving just enough blank space that can be filled by the imagination of the audience this book is aimed for. And the beauty is - one really, truly wants to do that as the author has created a multi-layered, diverse world filled with interesting characters and adventures. Adventures that I hope will continue while keeping the ever present good heart.

[Lynn Worton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.

This is the second book in the Josh Anvil Series. I loved it!

Josh Anvil is a fantastic character. I liked him very much. He is a smart and curious fourteen year old. Unfortunately, he doesn't see himself the same way. He has low self-esteem, which is caused by his dyslexia and being bullied at school. However, he is an excellent story teller and basketball player, has a vivid imagination and incredible powers thanks to the aliens that saved him after an accident in the swamp where he lives. (Read book 1 to find out how that happens). But he's about to embark on a journey full of danger and adventure. Can he save his planet from a vengeful alien?

I have been wanting to read this book for some time (ever since I read the first book in the series, Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door, way back in 2013). Unfortunately, due to my long reading list, I have only now been able to get to read it. I must admit, it was worth the wait!

This story continues on from the end of the first book and I was quickly drawn back into the tale. *Minor Spoiler Alert!!* Josh and his best friend Troy are sucked through a portal and find themselves on an alien planet or five. Here, they find themselves facing several challenges and making new friends, as well as enemies. This story is just as fast paced and exciting as the first book. There are several twists and turns, and a few surprises that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The descriptions of the planets visited and the characters on them are vivid enough for me to picture them with ease. I also liked meeting Kodi, Lonnie, Libby, Jana, Axel, Sadie and Marty, who are humanoid aliens from the different worlds that Josh and Troy visit, plus a few others that bring this story to life. There is also a surprising familial reunion in a twist I didn't see coming. I found myself in tears on more than one occasion, and in shock at the end of one scene. I couldn't believe that what I had read was true, so had to re-read that part. Once it sunk in, I felt like bawling like a baby! Luckily, I managed to control my sobs long enough to keep reading. I liked reading the scene where Josh learns how to fly an alien spacecraft. It made me giggle! In fact, there are several scenes of comic relief, courtesy of Josh's friend Troy. He has a laid-back attitude that belies that he takes things seriously, but he does have a serious side which I admired. He is also incredibly brave and faces several dangers that most fifteen year old boys would never dream of with grace and good humour. This book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotion. When I reached the end of the book I felt sad, but this was only because I wanted to keep reading! I am now looking forward to continuing this series by reading the third book, Josh Anvil and the Gathering Storm, as soon as possible.

Bruce Arrington has written an exciting fantasy adventure. I love his fast paced writing style and the flow is wonderful. I would definitely read more of his books in the future.

I highly recommend this book to young readers aged 10-18, but I also recommend this book to adults who love to read YA fantasy books filled with action, adventure, danger and aliens. - Lynn Worton

[March McCarron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Josh Anvil and the Pivotal Weapon is an action packed middle grade science fiction adventure.

What I liked:

I enjoyed the strong themes of friendship and forgiveness that run through this story. Josh and his best friend Troy have each other's backs and don't bother with holding grudges. I found their dispositions refreshingly angst-free for teen characters. The overall concept of the story is one laden with fun and adventure. It has super powers, space ships, aliens, planetary exploration, and an unexpected number of tacos. It's the kind of story that will likely spark a youthful imagination, as it holds so many possibilities.

What didn't work for me:

My main issue with this book, and what ultimately didn't work for me, is that I could never feel immersed in the world or the action. The descriptions were rather sterile, and while I felt as though I should be marveling at strange and wonderful alien worlds, I could never really picture them. I want to smell those alien flowers, awe at spectacular landscapes, feel the character's heart pumping in his chest as he flees from enemies. However, the narration was too sparse to engender such reactions.

For most of the book, the protagonist flits from crisis to resolution so swiftly that I, as a reader, didn't have time to generate either concern or relief. At times, the action is so hurried and nondescript it felt like summary. Josh's emotions, up until the climax, are barely described. I would have liked to have felt his fear and his pain more. I would have liked to see more consequences for his actions and his failures.

The plot itself seemed to be entirely reactionary and built upon happenstance. It begins with a desire to explore and then becomes a long chain of Josh helping people with problems that we didn't know existed until it's time for them to be dealt with. I wish that more of the momentum of the story had been in Josh's hands. The plot felt like a series of small, unrelated quests that didn't build up into any grander purpose.

[Marc Secchia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josh Anvil #2 is a fun and fast-paced action adventure set just after the first book Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door ends. Themes which came through clearly in the first book are present and developed: the importance of friends and family being paramount amongst these, and the depth of Josh's friendship with Troy is clearly demonstrated and tested as events sweep them away in this book.

Josh is rapidly immersed in a series of challenging and life-threatening events as he goes in search of Anton's family, and finds out about the alien plans for humanity, which are less than conducive to his or anyone else's health or continued existence. One rescue mission quickly leads to another; the portal to Earth is in danger of being closed, tensions rise. The author develops Josh's character throughout as he responds to the mantle of power that has been thrust upon him.

All that is good. However, as I read the first and second books of this series close together, it was disappointing to me that some of the elements which made the first story so enjoyable were not as apparent in this second book. The quirkiness is abandoned (apart from some fun with t-shirts and alien diapers) in favour of an action-driven storyline. Crisis situations began to come and go every other chapter. While it was a wild ride at first, after a while as a reader I began to feel a little punch-drunk. I found myself wishing that swift dose of this or that power would not resolve things for Josh. The plot felt rushed and unnecessarily compressed. The different worlds became indistinguishable in my imagination.

So for fun and action I'd give this story 4 stars, but I felt the nature of the plot held the story back from reaching its true potential. 3.5 stars overall, recommended. I look forward to whatever is next for Josh Anvil in this exciting series!

[Barbara Oliverio · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fourteen-year-old Josh Anvil continues his intergalactic adventures in Josh Anvil and the Pivotal Weapon, book two in a series. In this book aimed at the middle grades, Josh has left his native Louisiana and travelled through a portal to another world. Along with his best friend Troy and a cryptic humanoid named Anton, Josh soon discovers new superpowers. The trio doesn't find smooth sailing however, and are off and running to encounter new and fantastic escapades while attempting rescue missions (I won't ruin the exact plot) The book is packed with adventures and will appeal to younger sci fi readers. Charming touches are the additions of nods to pop culture including fast food tacos and T-Shirts emblazoned with ironic sayings. At times the plotting seems a bit contrived, and some characters coincidentally appear just as they are needed to move the story along, but not so much as to detract terribly from the reading experience. The author shows an understanding of relationship between 14-year-old boys in his writing of their dialog.
I received a free copy this book in exchange for a non-reciprocal unbiased review.

[Kirsten Jany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having not read the first book in the series, Josh Anvil and the Pivotal Weapon is a little hard to get into. The brief summary at the beginning of the book wasn’t enough of a lead in for me. I would highly recommend the reader start with book one.

In this second installment, fourteen-year-old Josh and his best friend Troy find themselves in a galaxy full of various alien planets, trying to find their humanoid friend Anton’s son and daughter. They uncover the horrific plan of alien warlord Raga, who is intend on wiping out most of the earth's population.

While there certainly is a lot of action, the plot seemed quite fragmented to me at times. A myriad of alien characters appears (at times seemingly random and with not much contributing to the plot). What bothered me most was how the action didn’t unfold, but was merely described. While the younger target audience might not mind, for adult readers phrases like “then something changed...”, “then things got more weird”, “then all went dark” simply don’t amount to good story telling.

This is definitely intended for less mature readers, but it will teach them valuable lessons about friendship and commitment.